ExxonMobil’s Upstream Research President was a keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual Oil & Gas Admins International Conference and Vendor Exhibition, offering her perspective on the common attributes that lead to a successful career.

To reach their full career potential, people should never stop learning and always seek to gain new skills and insights. That was the broader message from URC President Sara Ortwein at the second annual Oil and Gas Admins International Conference on June 18 in The Woodlands, Texas.

In her keynote speech, titled “Mastering the Keys to Career Success in the Oil and Gas Industry of Today – and Tomorrow,” Ortwein offered the audience – which included nearly 30 ExxonMobil administrative professionals from across the corporation – an overview of the current business climate and the long-term view based on ExxonMobil’s Energy Outlook. She emphasized that creativity and ingenuity will be key in what the industry’s future holds.

“As administrative professionals, each of you has a key role to play in supporting your supervisor, your team and your company,” she said. “Believe me, your contributions are appreciated and your work quality and timeliness have a significant impact.”

Attributes for advancement
Despite the wide variety of responsibilities that administrative professionals have and their changing roles within an organization, Ortwein said there are several common attributes that remain keys to success:

• A keen desire to learn and grow: “Learn about the industry, what your work group does and how they fit in, and learn new tools and approaches. Your ability to influence will expand with the development of your expertise. Take the initiative to increase your value to the organization.”
• Flexibility: “Plan to be surprised. Ours is a fast-paced, changing business. It’s 24/7 and priorities change routinely. It can be frustrating if you let it, but if you approach it with the right attitude, it can be exciting and energizing.”
• Professionalism: “You are an extension of your supervisor and the entire team. What you project is a reflection of your supervisor and work group that others will see. Is it the positive, professional impression they would want?”
• Networking: “Regularly network with the other administrative professionals in your company, sharing ideas and best practices. You can also network with key people throughout your organization and get to know their roles and responsibilities. By putting a face to a name, you’ll build relationships and improve your knowledge of how the company works.”

Ortwein said she’s had the good fortune to work with many fantastic administrative professionals during her career, including current assistant Sally Slaughter. “Those who take initiative to learn the business, are flexible, anticipate change and keep me a step ahead, have been invaluable.”

Debra Womack-Bourghs
Executive Ambassador
Oil & Gas Admins International

*Reference ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company original article.